This week I have a little bit of everything to share.  I finished my shawl, I finished a quick instant gratification knit, and I’m starting a few new projects.

First up, I finished my Albuquerque Sunset by Casapinka knit in Cascade Heritage Sock in #5633 Italian Plum and a Knitpicks Sock Blank dyed by me.  This was an enjoyable knit and I love the way the gradient and the darker color played together.

I ended up improvising the ending a bit – the pattern called for a lace border in the contrasting color, but I didn’t think I would like that in the gradient, so I finished with just a bit of a dark border.  As it turns out, I only used half my gradient (I still have what would have been the other sock) so I think I’m going to use these stitch patterns and knit a scarf for my niece since these bright colors are sure to please her.

As soon as the shawl was done, I decided I needed a super quick knit for a bit of instant gratification. I grabbed the leftover Miss Babs Yowza in Shaken, Not Stirred from a sweater I knit a few months ago and adapted the hat pattern Violet Waffles by Halldora J for a toddler sized head.  I’m really pleased with the finished hat and I’m stockpiling it away for my nephew this fall.

This meant it was time for some new knits.  First I cast on for some socks with some Northbound Knitting Merino/Nylon Superwash Fingering in Rumpus and Oleander.  I started these socks thinking I would use a sock pattern, but I found that the yarn was a bit busy for a pattern, so I decided just to knit a vanilla sock and let the fun colors shine.  I don’t know why I’m so into bright pink and purple lately.  Have I regressed to childhood?

Next up on the needles is a review yarn.  Appalachian Baby generously sent me a set of 3 skeins of their Organic Cotton sport weight yarn in the colorways Blush, Silver and Natural and I’m planning a sweet summer dress for my niece. More next week when I have something to show!